Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Fabaceae (Bean Family)
Group: Dicot (Broadleaf)
Annual trailing, climbing, or vining herb native of Asia. It is mainly found along field edges, non-crop areas, roadsides, and waste areas.
Leaves are alternate, compound and trifoliate. Leaflets are ovoid and smooth.
Stem is smooth or slightly hairy, green, and 20 inches to 10 feet long.
Flowers are purple but can be white or violet. Fruit is a legume seedpod. Seeds are kidney shaped, light brown or tan, or black or red maroon.
Propagation is by seed.
